I am raring to get out there and Bag us a huge win
CARROLL RELISHING PROSPECT OF A START IN SUNDAY SHOWDOWN
ANDY Carroll has staked his claim to lead Newcastle United’s attack in the absence of Miguel Almiron, Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson.
Injuries have ruled the trio until April at the earliest, and will force Steve Bruce into a reshuffle ahead of Sunday’s trip to relegation rivals West Brom.
Newcastle have plummeted from mid-table safety to a relegation battle following a run of just two wins in 17 matches.
The upcoming fixtures against West Brom, Aston Villa and Brighton before the international break have been viewed by many as a decisive run in the fight for survival.
However, the Magpies are currently deprived of attackers responsible for 60% of their goals this season.
Carroll is considered one of the contenders to come into the starting line-up at the Hawthorns this weekend, alongside the likes of Dwight
Gayle and Ryan Fraser.
The 32-year-old has
I’ve been waiting... if it comes I’m hopefully going to get on the scoresheet and get us a win
Andy Carroll
been open in his frustration at this lack of opportunities so far this campaign, and insists he is ready to take the chance if
Bruce gives him the nod.
Carroll told NUFC TV: “I’ve been waiting. I’d like to say I can see myself in the starting line-up at the weekend, but it’s the gaffer’s choice at the end of the day.
“I’ve been working hard, I’m fit and if it comes I’m hopefully going to take it and get on the scoresheet and get us a win.”
West Brom earned a controversial home victory over Brighton in their last outing, but
Sam Allardyce’s side still remain nine points adrift of safety.
With just 12 matches remaining and Premier
League survival at sake, Carroll admits
Newcastle need to start delivering results quickly.
He added: “It’s massive.
Every game is like a cup final now, every game is getting harder and harder.
“We’re not really producing the results we want at the minute, so we have to go out there at the weekend to try our best to get the three results we need.”